Appointed Person Lifting Operations CPCS A61 Course
Key Features
Of this Appointed Person Lifting A61 Course:
- Plan and authorise lifting operations across a full range of crane types and configurations in line with LOLER, PUWER and BS 7121
- Produce detailed lift plans, method statements and risk assessments for basic, intermediate and complex lifts
- Select appropriate cranes, lifting accessories and personnel for varying site conditions and load characteristics
- Coordinate and supervise lifting teams while maintaining clear communication and emergency procedures
- Apply current industry standards to both mobile and tower crane operations on construction and industrial sites
Course Date Availability
Appointed Person Lifting A61 training at the following 17 centres. Prices from £695 per person :
Course Information
Overview:
The CPCS A61 Appointed Person Lifting Operations course equips experienced construction professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to plan, manage and authorise lifting operations under UK regulations. Delegates learn to interpret site-specific factors, calculate load weights and centres of gravity, and produce compliant documentation that meets the expectations of principal contractors and enforcing authorities. The qualification is recognised across the construction, civil engineering and heavy industry sectors as the benchmark standard for anyone formally appointed to control lifting activities.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for:
- Site managers and project managers responsible for authorising lifting operations
- Experienced crane supervisors seeking the Appointed Person qualification
- Health and safety professionals who oversee lifting plans and method statements
- Lift planners and coordinators working for contractors or crane hire companies
- Engineers and foremen who prepare or approve complex lift documentation
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- How to classify lifts as basic, intermediate or complex and apply the correct planning process
- Techniques for selecting mobile, tower and crawler cranes together with appropriate duties and configurations
- Methods for calculating safe working loads, radii and ground-bearing pressures
- Production of lift plans, risk assessments and method statements that satisfy LOLER and BS 7121
- Coordination of multi-crane operations, tandem lifts and operations near overhead hazards
- Selection and inspection requirements for slings, shackles, spreader beams and other accessories
Course Agenda
Overview:
The course runs over five days and combines classroom-based theory sessions with practical exercises on a live construction site. Delegates complete a written theory test and a practical lift-planning assessment on the final day.
Key Modules Covered
What you will learn:
- Legislation, regulations and codes of practice including LOLER, PUWER and BS 7121
- Roles and responsibilities of the Appointed Person, Crane Supervisor and other duty holders
- Load assessment, centre of gravity calculation and stability considerations
- Crane selection, configuration and siting including ground conditions and outrigger loads
- Lift categorisation, planning procedures and documentation requirements
- Communication systems, exclusion zones and emergency response planning
- Lifting accessory selection, inspection and certification
- Practical lift planning exercise and assessment
Private Courses On-site
Appointed Person Lifting Operations CPCS A61 training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.
Latest Delegate Feedback
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Accreditation & Next Steps
What you will achieve as a result:
Successful delegates receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator card valid for two years. To progress to the five-year Blue Competent Operator card, delegates must complete the relevant NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Lifting Operations and submit evidence of ongoing site experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked Appointed Person Lifting Operations CPCS A61 questions:
The standard course is delivered over five consecutive days including theory training, practical exercises and both theory and practical assessments.
Delegates should already hold a valid CPCS card in a related category or have substantial documented experience in crane operations and lift supervision.
The syllabus includes legislation, lift categorisation, crane selection, load calculation, lift plan production, accessory inspection, multi-crane operations and emergency procedures.
Assessment consists of a multiple-choice theory test and a practical exercise where delegates must produce a complete lift plan for a given scenario.
Delegates who pass both assessments receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator card for Appointed Person Lifting Operations.
The Red card is valid for two years. To obtain the Blue Competent Operator card, delegates must complete an NVQ Level 5 and provide evidence of workplace experience.
CPCS cardholders must complete a refresher or renewal test before the card expiry date to maintain the qualification.
A61 focuses on the planning and authorisation role of the Appointed Person, whereas A62 covers the on-site supervision and coordination of lifting operations.
Delegates should bring valid photo ID, any existing CPCS or CITB cards, appropriate PPE for site-based practical sessions and note-taking materials.
Once the Red card is issued, delegates may be appointed to plan lifting operations subject to the employer’s own competence assessment and company procedures.
Yes, the syllabus includes planning requirements for mobile cranes, tower cranes and a range of other lifting equipment used in construction.
Delegates who do not achieve the required standard on either test receive feedback and may re-sit the failed component within a set period.
Prices per person typically start at £695. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)
More Information
The qualification prepares delegates to undertake the full scope of Appointed Person duties on sites where lifting operations form part of daily activity. It emphasises practical decision-making based on real site constraints rather than theoretical scenarios alone.
Last updated: May 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group